Big Bale Hay Storage
Agdex#: 120/732 Order#: 88-052
Publication Date: 1988 Last Reviewed: 1996
Title: Big Bale Hay Storage Division:
Agriculture and Rural
History:
Original Factsheet
Written by:
OMAF Staff
Table of Contents 1. Introduction 2. Why Protect Big Bales? 3. Protection Alternatives ❍ Outdoor Storage ❍ Pole Frame Storage, Roof Only ❍ Pole Frame Storage, Enclosed Building ❍ Two Storey Barns ❍ Other Structures 4. Economics
Introduction Several years before their acceptance in Ontario, large round balers had a strong foothold in Western Canada largely because the 'dryland' climate was well suited to the big bale concept. Soon the benefits of reduced labour and speed of harvest moved these systems into Ontario where outside storage was initially tried in spite of our wetter climate. There are now a large number of farmers who are attempting to eliminate or minimize the spoilage of hay which occurs with outside storage. This trend coincides with a new measure of respect given to big bale systems, as farmers' efforts toward a quality hay have increased in the beef and diary sectors alike. | Top of Page |
Why Protect Big Bales? Unavoidable dry matter losses of up to 5% are expected even with hay stored indoors. Additional spoilage losses occurring to unprotected round bales result from two factors:
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Big Bale Hay Storage
Outer Layer losses can be substantial for even an apparently small depth of material, as shown in Figure 1. Figure 1. Outer layer losses from weathering.
This sketch also suggests that the smaller diameter bales, which have recently become more popular, will suffer proportionately more weathering losses than larger bales. However, in either case, moisture infiltration will be lessened by providing bales with especially dense outer shells. Note that although the hay immediately beneath the weathered shell may appear to be fine, it probably is somewhat mouldy and will not be readily eaten by livestock. total weathering losses always exceed what our initial glance might suggest. Ground Moisture, which is pulled into the base of the bale by wick action, can easily double the amount of spoiled material normally expected in outer layer losses. A sloppy bale which tends to 'squat' will place more of its base in contact with the ground, thereby increasing moisture absorption. Various research and farmer experience suggests that, depending on the year, and length of storage period, the losses resulting from outdoor storage may total 15 - 20% more than those from hay stored indoors. A major consideration in the decision regarding how much protection to provide for bales is convenience. The problems of bales freezing to the ground, or of having to move snow to get to them, or of having to chop off the spoiled and frozen outer shell of the unprotected bale can be frustrating and time-consuming. | Top of Page |
Protection Alternatives Efforts to reduce spoilage with large round bales range from simple to elaborate. Here are a few of the methods used today:
Outdoor Storage For a variety of reasons, some farmers will continue to 'field store' big bales - an approach which may be quite acceptable for bales which are to be fed by fall. Bales should touch end-to-end only, with rows a couple of feet apart, and running up and down the slope (Figure 2.)
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Big Bale Hay Storage
Figure 2. Proper placement of field-stored bales.
Placement of rows in a north-south direction will allow the sun to penetrate both sides of the row - thus helping to keep the area dry. Some farmers choose to stack bales in pairs, or trios, with the bottom one or two bales set on end and the other bale set normally atop. While there is little difference in the resulting total amount of spoiled material, this method occupies much less field are than otherwise required. Outdoor Storage on Crushed Stone A layer of coarse stone on the ground under the bales will eliminate moisture absorption by wick action. Research work has indicated that 4" of 'clear 1" crushed stone can cut storage losses in half. Although one might be tempted to use gravel here, it is best to avoid it since capillary movement of ground moisture can still be substantial through the finer material. Outdoor Storage on Rails, Tires, Pallets Materials such as these will accomplish the same effect as crushed stone, but with much less convenience in placing and removing bales. Outdoor Storage, Plastic Covering Polyethylene Sheets - Efforts to cover stacks of bales using polyethylene have had mixed success - largely due to the work of placing the cover, then trying to keep it on. One important factor lies in avoiding the use of construction grade polyethylene. Figure 3. Inferior polyethylene, poorly fastened spells failure.
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Big Bale Hay Storage
The better quality poly film - typically 32' or 40' by 100' will cost 20% more since they are not made from reclaimed plastics. However, they have vastly superior physical properties (stretch, puncture, fatigue), which provide a better chance of surviving an entire season. A generous supply of rope or twine with old tires or other material as weight to anchor the cover is essential. When a stack can be located in a wind-sheltered area, best results are likely. Note that a 1-2-3 pyramid of bales will be more successful than a 2-3-4 pyramid since the latter allows sagging of the cover between the two top bales. Subsequent snow and ice build-up may then lead to punctures, followed by concentrated wetting of the bales underneath. Polyfabric Tarp - Much more durable than 6 mil polyethylene, these woven tarps (Figure 4) will tolerate less substantial tie-downs, and often have perimeter grommets to attach twine or rope. Their 3 to 4 year life expectancy makes them price competitive with the single-use polyethylene. Where possible, select tarp sizes to suit the size of bales in the stack as shown in Figure 5. Avoid folding the tarp over the ends of the stack, in order to allow the stack to breath. (If possible, wait 2 or 3 days after baling before placing hay under plastic to minimize condensation problems.) Figure 4. Polyfabric tarps are easy to secure.
Figure 5. Minimum cover widths to provide rain protection.
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Big Bale Hay Storage
Individual Stretch Wrap - Two layers of thin stretch plastic on the shell (not necessarily the ends) of a bale effectively minimize weathering losses. Wrapping is accomplished manually with a hand-held narrow strip of plastic as the bale turns slowly on a 3-point hitch rotating spear, or is performed by various machines with wide or narrow rolls of plastic. Figure 6. Stretch wrap protection.
Mesh Wrap - Several baler manufacturers have provided the option of using a mesh wrap rather than twine to tie the bale. the mesh flattens the entire outer layer of the bale to provide better shedding of rainwater. Mesh wrapping is also faster than twine typing since the bale rotates only 1 1/2 times in the chamber before being ejected. | Top of Page |
Pole Frame Storage, Roof Only A pole supported roof structure accomplishes the primary goal of keeping rain off the hay. (In addition, a course stone base will minimize ground moisture problems.) Keep in mind however that the high sidewalls do allow some small amounts of snow and blowing rain to enter the storage area.
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Big Bale Hay Storage
Figure 7. Pole frame hay storage.
From a structural standpoint, builders must ensure that these buildings are well anchored against up-lift forces. | Top of Page |
Pole Frame Storage, Enclosed Building The approach often used to justify the expense of an enclosed building involves its potential as a dual or multi-use facility loafing shed, machinery storage, hay storage etc. Since these buildings typically have 16' to 20' sidewall heights, the primary structural concern is that adequate wind bracing be provided. Plan buildings such that the bottom chord of the roof truss will clear the expected stack height by a minimum of 2'. Even this leaves little room for error, considering that you will be handling a heavy package of hay which will obscure your view when putting it into place with a loader. Providing adequate ventilation of an enclosed building will eliminate condensation from forming on the underside of the roofing steel during cool fall nights. Good ventilation is possible by using soffits and by installing ridge ventilators. (Provide at lease 1 square foot of ridge opening per 1000 square feet of building area.) Regardless of bale size and stacking method, any building with 16' sidewalls will accommodate at least 1 ton of hay in every 20 square feet of floor area. Figure 8. Inside stacking possibilities and height requirements
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Figure 8 shows a method of stacking hay which satisfies two basic criteria: (1) Avoids putting outward forces on sidewalls or poles, and (2) Maximizes the quantity of hay in the storage. Other comments from those using this stacking method indicate the stack is much more stable, and the voids created by the columns of hay allow some breathing to occur. | Top of Page |
Two Storey Barns The lofts of many 2 storey barns are used less than previously, now that tower silos are common. Unfortunately, in many cases, these lofts do not lend themselves well to big bale storage, due to the difficulty in placing and retrieving bales. Occasionally, they can be used as an area for cutting up big bales with bale knives or electric chainsaw. | Top of Page |
Other Structures Many farm steads have old structures which are now unsuited for their initial purposes. Where possible, farmers are using these buildings - often with little or no modification - to store big bales.
| Top of Page |
Economics For Ontario conditions, most studies would suggest that by providing protection for big bales, we would reduce losses by 15 - 20% over 'field stored' hay. If hay is worth $60 per ton, this amounts to typical losses of $9 to $12 per ton, while for better quality hay at $80 per ton, losses would be $12 to $6 per ton. http://www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA/english/engineer/facts/88-052.htm (7 of 9) [11/25/2004 11:14:20 AM]
Big Bale Hay Storage
With this in mind, the values found in Figure 9 may provide a reference point for decision-making. for instance, even with the additional labour required to cover stacks with plastic, the storage costs of less than $2 per ton make the effort well worthwhile. The cost-per-ton values for pole buildings are substantial, whether the farmer contracts the construction of the building or erects it himself. However, the costs are not unreasonable, and can be justified by the farmer who takes a serious approach to hay-making - ie. cutting at the proper stage of maturity, minimizing harvest losses by tending and raking hay at proper moisture contents, baling when hay is neither too wet, nor too dry, and so on.
Figure 9. Costs of Some Storage Alternatives Storage Method
Life Expectancy
Size
Bale Capacity*
Tons
**Cost Per Ton/Year
4" of clear, crushed stone (1")
5yr payback
60'x100' surface 75 cubic yds @ $9 180bales= 5'x5' = 675
103.5
$1.30
Stretch wrap - shell only 1 year
2 layers
$2 per 5'x5' bale
N/A
0.57
$3.50 plastic only machine costs additional
6 mil polyethylene
24'x100'
$85
150bales=4'x4'
45
$1.90
32'x100'
$115
120bales=5'x5'
69
$1.65
40'x100'
$160
120bales=6'x5'
102
$1.55
20'x30'
$70
24bales=5'x5'
13.8
$1.25
20'x40'
$90
60bales=4'x4'
18
$1.25
40'x60'
$375
72bales=6'x5'
61
$12000 material only
480 bales 5'x5'
276
$7.80 for 10 $5.90 for 20 years years
$1900 contracted
480 bales 5'x5'
276
$12.35 for 10 years
$9.35 for 20 years
$16500 material only
480 bales 5'x5'
276
$10.75 for 10 years
$8.15 for 20 years
$26000 contracted 480 bales 5'x5'
276
$16.95 for 10 years
$12.80 for 20 years
Polyfabric Tarp
Poly Structure - Roof Only
1 year
4 years
10 & 20 year 40'x100'x18' paybacks @12% interest + taxes and insurance 40'x100'x18'
Poly Structure - totally 10 & 20 year 40'x100'x18' enclosed paybacks @ 12% interest + taxes and insurance 40'x100'x18'
Cost
*Assume all hard core bales @12 lbs./cu.ft.density, ie 4' x 4' weighs 600 lbs., 5' x 5' weighs 1150 lbs., 6' x 5' weighs 1700 lbs Note that density varies with grass/legume ratio and baler type: Hard Core Bales 12-15 lbs./cu.ft. Soft Core Bales 10-12 lbs./cu/ft., Small Square Bales 6-8 lbs./cu.ft. ** No labour cost included. | Top of Page | For more information: Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300 Local: (519) 826-4047 Email:
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Big Bale Hay Storage
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